Store Review: The Coffee & Tea Exchange

Store History

Founded:
1975

Headquarters:
Chicago

We're talking dessert this week, and what goes better with something sweet than a good cup of coffee, or maybe some tea? In Chicago, one of our favorite sources is The Coffee & Tea Exchange, a quirky little corner shop with a great selection.

Located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, The Coffee & Tea Exchange offers a wide selection and plenty of charm. Jars of teas, herbs and spices line the walls while coffee beans are stored in large barrels in the center of the store. Each variety is identified with a handwritten label made from brightly colored paper and magazine clippings.

The company roasts its own coffee beans and says care is taken to roast each variety to its individual peak flavor. We're particularly fond of their interesting herbal teas – our current favorite is the blood orange blend made with apple bits, hibiscus, rose hip peels, citrus peels and safflower petals. It smells and tastes heavenly.

The Coffee & Tea Exchange also stocks coffee and tea accessories, storage containers and serving pieces. We found customary gourds and metal straws for drinking yerba maté, an interesting coffee grinder/storage container and sweet pieces like a tiny elephant-shaped pitcher for cream.